Here is a simple explanation of two natural polymers starch and cellulose. This slide can be used for the introduction of these two topics. Both starches and cellulose are carbohydrates that are classified as polysaccharides since they are composed of chains of glucose molecules. While they are similar, starches can be used as energy sources by the human body while cellulose cannot.

1. Sukkur IBA University
Two natural Polymers: Starch & Cellulose
Zoya Noor
Department of Education | Semester 2
Instructor: Dr. Rabia Shaikh

2. Two natural Polymers: Starch &
Cellulose
Polymers are a huge and diverse group of different substances. Each polymer
molecule is made-up of smaller units called Monomers. Polymers are held
together by Primary bonds (Covalent bonds).
There are two types of Polymers:
•Natural: Found naturally in our environment. Ex: starch and cellulose.
•Synthetic: Produced artificially by humans. Ex: Plastics and Fibers etc.
Starch:
•Complex Food, made-up of
combination of numerous glucose.
•Monomer is Glucose.
•Formula: (C6H10O5)n
•Sources: Potatoes, Rice, Corn etc.
•Importance: Major Source of
Calories in human diet, broad
applications in paper and textile
industries, ethanol production etc.
Cellulose:
•Complex carbohydrate consist of 3000+
glucose units.
•Most abundant naturally occurring
organic substance.
•Formula: (C6H10O5)n
•Sources: Leafy Vegetables, legumes
etc.
•Importance: Structural component of
Plant cell wall, helping plants remain
tough, important in diet as fibre etc.

3. Thank you.